Sexual assault suspect charged after cop assaulted

A London man wanted for sexual assault is facing more charges after allegedly punching a London police officer in the face.

Police say an officer stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Wellington Road South and Montgomery Gate around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday. While the officer spoke with the driver, she determined that a passenger in the car was wanted on outstanding warrants on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference. Police said the charges stemmed from an alleged relationship the 25-year-old man had with a 15-year-old girl.

“When the officer approached the suspect, he pushed her away and fled on foot,” police said in a news release issued Wednesday. “The officer pursued and caught the suspect a short distance away. During the course of the arrest, the officer was punched in the face multiple times. A large knife was seized during a subsequent search of the suspect.”

The officer was treated at hospital and released.

A 25-year-old man, whose name police did not release in order to protect the identity of the 15-year-old girl, is charged with assaulting a peace officer, carrying a concealed weapon, escaping lawful custody, resisting arrest, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and three counts of failing to comply with a recognizance.